Society Islands & Tahiti Cruise
Papeete Roundtrip | 7 Nights | April 18, 2026
Travel with an Expert - Monica Saito
I learned about travel and dreaming of when I was a child in my native Chile since I had an uncle who traveled a lot; he would always tell us stories, transporting us to these faraway places. It gave me such a thrill!
I had a chance to start working for the travel industry in 1984 when I got a job as an accounting clerk to get my foot in the door. In a short amount of time, I was working as an agent! My eagerness to see the world has been a great satisfaction in my life. Traveling has taught me so much, and I love to meet people with different backgrounds, cultures, and traditions as well as the wilderness and the outdoors. Travel gives me an ongoing lesson, and I am always ready to learn.
I have been fortunate to see the most amazing places, like playing with baby seal in Galapagos, waking up to the pristine and spectacular views of Torres del Paine in Patagonia, walking down the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem, and more. I am so fortunate to have visited these places and to have shared them with clients, family, and friends. Visiting and seeing the wonders of the world comprise the most precious and humbling moments of my life.
I am very familiar and knowledgeable about South America, being born and raised in Chile; I speak the language and understand the cultures of Latin America. I have also traveled extensively throughout Mexico and Central America. Japan is another area that I am very familiar with due many trips to visit my son years ago. Spain and Portugal are also pretty well known to me. I’m happy to help you get to these destinations and others! Reach out anytime!
Voyage Itinerary
Set sail from vibrant Papeete, the capital of Tahiti and the gateway to the enchanting Society Islands.
Discover the lush interior and relaxed pace of Huahine, often called the “Garden Island” of Polynesia.
Explore Raiatea, revered as the cultural heart of Polynesia and home to the UNESCO-listed Taputapuatea Marae.
Relax on Motu Mahana, Paul Gauguin Cruises’ private islet, with beach time, snorkeling, kayaking, and lagoon views.
Unwind beneath iconic Mount Otemanu, stroll white-sand beaches, or explore the lagoon’s coral gardens. Enjoy a full day to soak up the beauty and adventure opportunities of this legendary island paradise.
Step ashore in Moorea to admire dramatic mountain silhouettes, lush valleys, and turquoise lagoons.
Return to Tahiti to conclude your South Pacific adventure amid Polynesian culture and island charm.
Cruise Group Exclusives
Cruise Group Hosted by Monica Saito: Enjoy personalized attention and special amenities, including…
- Spacious suites and staterooms, many with private balcony
- Gourmet dining in three unique venues, plus 24-hour room service
- Fine wines, spirits, and beers
- All onboard gratuities
- Wi-Fi throughout ship
- Private beach on Bora Bora* and day on our private Motu Mahana islet
- Authentic enrichment and entertainment; local naturalists; special guest
- Moana Explorer Program for kids 6-15 years old on select sailings
- Retractable marina with a variety of water sports equipment available
*Subject to availability as conditions allow. When unable to call there, we will be offering a tender to the pier and a free shuttle to Matira Beach, the island’s award-winning public beach. All information is subject to change without prior notice.
Castles, Lochs & Scottish Highlands Cruise Photo Gallery
m/s Paul Gauguin
Designed specifically to glide in luxury through the shallow seas of the South Pacific, The Gauguin is a small-ship cruiser’s dream. She delivers travelers to intimate ports inaccessible to larger cruise ships, all the while providing a travel experience that is nothing short of luxurious.
Features
Once on board, guests enjoy newly-decorated spacious suites and staterooms (nearly 70% with private balconies), an onboard watersports marina, three dining venues, an extensive spa, and five-star service. Life on The Gauguin also reflects the beauty and rich cultural heritage of the islands she calls upon, with a warm, friendly feel, informal setting, and even a beloved troupe of Les Gauguins and Les Gauguines—local Tahitians who serve as onboard hosts and hostesses, entertainers, and storytellers.
Onboard Activities
In addition to Les Gauguins & Les Gauguines, on every voyage we invite local performers onboard to entertain you. Don’t miss an evening spent with local group Mamas and Papas, whose dynamic performance of Polynesian dance and singing is a perennial guest favorite.
Culinary Experiences
During every meal onboard The Gauguin, with every sumptuous bit you sample, and each time our attentive staff fill your glass, you’ll begin to realize that dining on the high seas with Paul Gauguin Cruises is truly something special. Embark upon a five-star culinary adventure, designed just for you by some of the world’s most talented and award-winning chefs. What’s more, every one of our onboard dining options is included in your cruise fare. Bon appétit!
Luxury Suites
Balcony Stateroom
Category D Balcony Staterooms offer an inviting blend of comfort and scenic immersion, featuring a private balcony that allows guests to enjoy fresh ocean breezes and uninterrupted views of French Polynesia’s turquoise waters. Inside, the thoughtfully designed space includes a cozy seating area, elegant finishes, and efficient storage, creating a relaxing retreat between island explorations. Ideal for travelers who value private outdoor space without stepping up to a suite, these staterooms provide an excellent balance of style, comfort, and value aboard Paul Gauguin. ~202 sq. ft. interior + ~49 sq. ft. balcony
Veranda Suite
Spacious and elegantly appointed, Veranda Suites feature a larger living area and enhanced comfort, making them ideal for longer stays onboard. The private veranda extends your living space outdoors, while the suite’s layout provides added privacy and room to relax between adventures ashore. ~249 sq. ft. interior + ~49 sq. ft. balcony
Grand Suite
The Grand Suite offers a refined residential feel with expansive living and dining areas, oversized windows, and a generous private veranda. Designed for travelers who value space and elevated comfort, this suite provides a luxurious setting for both relaxation and entertaining, complemented by attentive service throughout the voyage. ~332 sq. ft. interior + ~83 sq. ft. balcony
Owner's Suite
At the pinnacle of luxury aboard Paul Gauguin, the Owner’s Suite delivers an exceptional level of space, privacy, and elegance. Featuring a separate bedroom and living area, a large private veranda, and premium furnishings, this suite is ideal for guests seeking the most exclusive onboard experience, with every detail thoughtfully curated for indulgent South Pacific cruising. ~457 sq. ft. interior + ~197 sq. ft. balcony
More About Paul Gauguin
Paul Gauguin Cruises specializes exclusively in the South Pacific, offering an immersive, all-inclusive luxury experience designed to showcase the beauty and culture of French Polynesia. Purpose-built to navigate shallow lagoons and access remote islands, Paul Gauguin delivers an intimate, yacht-like atmosphere with exceptional service and thoughtful amenities. From enriched cultural programming and watersports directly from the ship to refined dining and personalized attention, every element is curated to connect guests more deeply with the destination while ensuring effortless comfort throughout the journey.
About Tahiti & Society Isles
Tahiti and the Society Islands represent the essence of the South Pacific, where dramatic volcanic peaks rise above turquoise lagoons and vibrant coral reefs. This region is celebrated not only for its natural beauty, but also for its warm Polynesian culture, rich traditions, and relaxed island rhythm. From iconic Bora Bora to the quieter charm of Huahine and Raiatea, travelers experience a blend of adventure and tranquility, enhanced by crystal-clear waters, lush landscapes, and a spirit of hospitality that makes French Polynesia one of the world’s most captivating destinations.
Request More Information on Tahiti & the Society Islands
Call Monica at 626-795-0291
